The Stress Continuum

Know It. Use It.

The Stress Continuum is a model that identifies how Sailors and Marines react under stressful situations. It is the foundation of Navy and Marine Corps efforts to promote psychological health.

The continuum is a color-coded map to identify behaviors that might arise from serving in combat, in dangerous peacekeeping missions and in the highly charged day-to-day work that is required of today’s military. While its primary use is for individual service members, the continuum also is a valuable tool to track behaviors of military families and commands.

A Colorful Glossary

Green Zone

Not stress-free, but mastering stress with good coping skills. Ready to go!

Stress injuries that become stress illnesses. Only diagnosed by health professionals!

Common Behaviors of the Four Zones

Service Members in the GREEN:

Remain calm, steady, confident

Exhibit ethic and moral behavior

Eat healthfully, exercise regularly and get proper sleep

Keep a sense of humor and remain active socially, spiritually

Use alcohol in moderation, if at all

Get the job done and show respect for fellow warriors

Service Members in the YELLOW:

Feel anxious, fearful, sad, angry, grouchy, irritable or mean

Cut corners on the job

Are negative or pessimistic

Lose interest, energy or enthusiasm

Have trouble concentrating

Become excessive in spending, Internet use, playing computer games, etc.

Service Members in the ORANGE:

Lose control of emotions or thinking

Have nightmares, sleep problems, obsessive thinking

Feel guilt, shame, panic or rage

Abuse alcohol or drugs

Change significantly in appearance or behavior

Lose moral values

RED Zone = Ill Zone

These are Orange Zone behaviors that persist, get worse, or get better and then come back worse. The service member cannot function properly.

All medical disorders in individuals exposed to combat or other operational or traumatic stress are found in the Red Zone. These include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, certain anxiety disorders and substance abuse disorders. The distinction between Orange Zone stress injury and Red Zone stress illness can only be made by a medical or mental-health professional.

Red Zone illnesses are very treatable. The majority of Sailors and Marines who are treated finish their tours of duty and many continue to serve. Early treatment is the key.

In a few words

GREEN is READY

YELLOW is REACTING

ORANGE is INJURED

RED is ILL

Green is Good. Go for the Green!

Resilience to stress is the underlying theme of the continuum— building it, maintaining it and restoring it when necessary.

The more resilience shown by a service member the easier it is to stay in the Green Zone.

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